Protect your children during rainy season, FCTA tells mothers

The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory for Health Services and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, has urged caregivers and mothers to take special precautions to protect the elderly and children during the rainy season to reduce the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases prevalent during the season.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by Fasawe’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Bola Ajao.

Fasawe emphasised the importance of ensuring the health and safety of all, particularly the vulnerable groups, who are more susceptible to illnesses like the flu and other respiratory diseases due to increased humidity and exposure to rain.

She recommended equipping these groups with raincoats, waterproof shoes or boots, umbrellas, and quick-drying clothing.

She also stressed the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of malaria.

“This includes regularly removing stagnant water and properly covering stored water. She advised using insecticide-treated mosquito nets and keeping doors and windows closed to prevent mosquitoes and other harmful insects from entering homes,” the Mandate Secretary stated.

She noted that diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid become more common due to rainwater contaminating water sources.

To prevent waterborne diseases, the medical expert recommended boiling drinking water before use, properly cooked and covered food to avoid contamination by flies, and that fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before consumption.

In case of illness, she advised that professional medical care should be sought rather than self-medicating, emphasising that taking preventive measures is always better than seeking treatment for preventable illnesses.

She encouraged mothers and caregivers to invest time and adhere to preventive measures to safeguard the lives of the elderly and children during the rainy season.

“The government has implemented measures to protect vulnerable groups, such as providing a free insurance scheme, conducting advocacy campaigns on mother and child health, and promoting continuous sensitisation on immunisation and vaccination.

“Additionally, efforts to promote healthy living and prevent epidemic outbreaks are ongoing,” Fasawe concluded.